You probably already know your dog loves you. Those enthusiastic greetings at the door, the way they curl up next to you on the couch, or how they seem to follow you everywhere make it pretty obvious. Yet here’s the thing: there are countless subtle ways our canine companions express their devotion that often fly completely under our radar. These hidden gestures reveal a depth of affection that goes far beyond the obvious tail wags and wet kisses.
Dogs communicate through a complex language of body movements, behaviors, and gestures that we humans don’t always pick up on. Some of these signals are so understated that even experienced dog owners miss them. Let’s dive into these secret signs that prove your furry friend is absolutely head over heels for you.
They Check on You Throughout the Day
Your dog making regular check-ins while you’re in different rooms is meant to show how much they love and care for you, wanting to ensure you’re okay. It’s easy to overlook this behavior as simple curiosity or boredom.
They recognize you as the leader of their pack, so knowing where you are and that you’re okay is comforting to them, plus they may have been missing you and want to be back in your presence due to their love and desire for security. Think of it as their way of saying, “Just making sure you’re still here and everything’s alright.”
Their Tail Wags to the Right When They See You
Most people think any tail wag means happiness. Research found that dogs wagging their tail to the right were shown to have a more relaxed posture and a slower heart rate, while dogs who wagged their tail to the left were typically in a more defensive position with an accelerated heart rate.
Next time your pup greets you, pay attention to which direction that tail is swishing. Dogs tend to wag to the right when they feel happy and affectionate. This directional wagging is one of those secret signals that reveals just how genuinely thrilled they are to be around you.
They Lean Their Full Weight Against You
While it may seem like a goofy or lazy tendency, leaning is actually a sign of affection, as experts suggest dogs seek out physical contact with the ones they love. Some dogs, especially the larger breeds, will press their entire body weight against your legs or side. This isn’t them trying to push you around or being clumsy.
When your dog leans their full weight against your legs, they’re showing you they trust you, and for many dogs, the lean is like a full-body hug. Honestly, it’s one of the sweetest gestures once you understand what it means.
They Steal Your Dirty Laundry and Worn Shoes
Finding your dog curled up with your stinky gym socks might seem annoying or even embarrassing. If your dog raids your dirty laundry for your smelliest clothes, dirtiest shoes, and stinkiest socks, it’s a sign of love, showing they missed you while you were away and can’t get enough of your unique smell.
Dogs who are emotionally attached to their owners love their owners’ scents, so if they raid your shoe pile or laundry basket for items that smell like you, it may be because they love you and want to be reminded of you wherever they go. It’s basically their version of keeping a photo of you in their wallet.
They Bring You Their Favorite Toys
When your dog brings you their favorite toy, this behavior is an invitation to play and a sign of affection, showing they trust you with their prized possessions and enjoy spending time with you. Some dogs will even bring broken toys, which reveals even deeper trust.
Dogs will often give gifts to the leaders of their pack to show affection, respect, and trust, and they can be possessive of their belongings, so trusting you with their favorite toys could be their way of expressing faith in you to take care of their treasured items. That slobbery tennis ball dropped at your feet is essentially a declaration of love.
They Give You Long, Soft Gazes
Eye contact is an intimate display of trust and affection for many dogs, and research has found that when we gaze lovingly into our dogs’ eyes, they both understand and return the affection. This isn’t the hard stare that signals a threat. We’re talking about those gentle, lingering looks that seem to say everything without words.
Dogs and humans both release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone, when they look into each other’s eyes, so if your dog is staring at you with soft puppy dog eyes, you may be right to think they’re saying I love you. It’s a bonding moment that strengthens your connection each time it happens.
They Do the Greeting Stretch Just for You
This adorable sign your dog loves you is mentioned in a book by Brenda Aloff titled “Canine Body Language, A Photographic Guide,” where Aloff describes a dog’s greeting stretch as being your dog’s way of letting you know you are their “special person.” You’ve probably seen it: your dog does that yoga-like bow with their front legs stretched out and their rear end up in the air when they first see you.
While this play bow can signal they want to play, when it’s specifically a greeting stretch directed at you upon your arrival, it’s actually their way of saying you’re the most important person in their world. Pretty incredible when you think about it.
They Get Excited When They Hear Your Name
Dogs learn their own names and the names of other dogs in the household, but they can also learn the names of people they like, and when dogs hear the names of people they like, they’ll get excited at the thought that person might appear.
Pay attention next time someone mentions your name in conversation around your dog. Those perked ears, the sudden alertness, or even them running to the door? That’s pure love and anticipation. They’re hoping that hearing your name means you’re about to show up, even if you’re already in the room.
Conclusion
These secret signs reveal just how deeply our dogs care about us. While the obvious displays of affection are wonderful, these subtle gestures show a level of devotion that runs deeper than many of us realize. Dogs love us for things far beyond food, basically the same things that humans love us for, things like social comfort and social bonds.
The more we understand these hidden signals, the stronger our bond with our furry companions becomes. So what do you think? Have you noticed any of these secret signs from your own dog?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
